Satellites abandons Cairo camp for Barcelona

The Black Satellites of Ghana have abandoned their initial plans to camp in the Egyptian capital of Cairo as a result of the political uprising in the northern African country.

The defending U-20 World Champions will now hold their pre-tournament preparation in Barcelona, Spain from March 3 ahead of next month’s African Youth Championship in Libya.

"We planned to camp in Egypt but the situation there at the moment will not allow that. Meanwhile, we have firmed up everything with Barcelona in Spain and our programme will be fashioned out by the close of week," he said.

The Chairman of the Satellites Management Committee, Jordan Anagblah, told the GNA Sports the final selection for the actual tournament will be brought down to 18 from 25.

He said some of the foreign-based players invited include Jordan Ayew, Richard Boakye Yiadom, Kevin Osei, Alhassan Massawudu, Kofi Adjei, Frank Ampong, Afriyie Acquah, James Bissiu, Bright Addea, Kwame Nsow and Ebo Andoh.

"We will play the Barcelona youth side and two other teams within the ten days and we trust that will be good preparation before we begin our title defence," Anagblah added.

Ghana, pitted in Group B alongside Nigeria, Cameroon and Gambia, will arrive in Libya three days before the commencement of the biennial fiesta.